Only those with Covid-19 negative report can enter Bihar

Nitish regime tightens norms and guidelines fearing a rise in coronavirus cases during Holi

Alarmed over a spike in Covid-19 cases in many states, Bihar is now gearing up to check the spread of such cases in view of a large number of migrants and other people planning to visit Bihar during Holi.

The Nitish regime has, therefore, decided that those coming from other states, particularly Maharashtra, Kerala and Punjab, will have to furnish Covid-19 negative report once they land here by flight or train.

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“Two teams of health professionals have been deputed at Jaya Prakash Narayan International Airport to verify and check those travellers who are coming from Maharashtra, Kerala and Punjab. Such passengers will have to furnish the Covid-19 negative report. If they fail to do so, they will have to undergo a mandatory Covid-19 testing here,” said the District Magistrate of Patna, Chandrashekhar Singh.

Besides different teams of Health Department professionals have been deputed at railway stations and bus stands to carry out a similar exercise and prepare a list of those coming from these states.

The state government has suggested that since the festival of Holi can exponentially spread the Covid-19, one should play it safe and hold the fest in a subdued manner.

“Usually, one puts colour/gulal on each other’s face during Holi. This will be a violation of Centre’s guidelines of maintaining physical distance. So, if possible, please refrain from Holi. Or else, celebrate it among the family members, without interacting with outsiders,” opined a senior government doctor, wishing not to be identified.